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Camp Vise

Posted on : 08-11-2009 | By : John | In : Bushcraft

5

P1130078The camp vise is illustrated in the book Wilderness Survival by Mark Elbroch and Mike Pewtherer. The authors suggest that this tool can be used to hold and work small objects that may be too difficult to do so with the fingers alone. Little detail is provided for the construction or use of the vise, however the concept is simple enough that it is hardly necessary. It consists of a split stick that tapers on one end with a small pivot stick inserted between the two split pieces and lashed into place. A wedge shaped stick is then inserted between the splits on the opposite end causing the tapered ends to close down on the intended work piece. With a knife and some cord, this tool can be made in a matter of minutes. I can see how it may be useful for sharpening a piece of bone when abrading against a rock or even as a clothes pin for drying a pair of wet socks. How would you use it?  Leave a comment and share your thoughts.

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Comments (5)

Le Loup said on 03-12-2009

This is a nifty little gadget/hand vice but I fail to see how such a weak construction can be of any use. I doubt very much that it will grip tight enough to be able to do any work such as filing.
It would make a fine clothes peg, but where is the need?
No sorry, there are a lot of things one can make that would be useful in a survival situation, but I do not see this as being one of them.
Le Loup.
Johnny B said on 03-12-2009

Hi Le Loup. Thanks for the comment, you are the first one to do so. I would like to start off by saying that I am a fan of your Historical Trekking blog – very cool stuff over there. In response to your comment, I pretty much agree with you. When I saw the design, I thought I’d make one and experiment with it. However, since doing so, I have found little practical application for it. As you said, it is a “nifty little gadget,” so I thought I’d share the concept here and hopefully stimulate some discussion. It looks like it worked.
Dirty Bill said on 10-01-2010

I wonder if it would hold leather or even cloth tight enough for sewing? The next question is,how do you hold the device? eg,when you are using both hands to sew?
Johnny B said on 11-01-2010

Hey Bill, thanks for your comment. I have to admit that I haven’t used this devise too many times so I don’t know how well it functions as a sewing aid. But sewing is something I’ve never considered using it for – great idea. In general, this thing is a little awkward to handle, especially with tasks such as abrasion or grinding, and the article fastened in the vise jaws has a tendency to loosen with use. More experimentation appears to be in order, especially with sewing.
GoneWithTheWind said on 20-07-2010

Made as shown it does look like it would have too much flex and thus a weak grip. Use split oak pieces from dried wood and I bet this would crack an acorn with it’s grip.

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